When Quitting is Not an Option

Have you ever had days when you just wanted to quit—everything, including Christianity? Days when you wanted throw in the proverbial towel several times so that you could say those things you know wouldn’t honor God, or so you could go that one place you know you don’t belong or so you’d have an excuse for your lack of faith because sometimes having faith is just too hard? If I’m honest, I have. I’ve felt like quitting and laying my Christianity to the side on a few occasion and if you’re honest too, I’m not alone.

But what does the bible really have to say about quitting? One scripture that comes to mind is, “if you faint in the day of adversity, your faith is small.” (Proverbs 24:10 NIV) Does that convict anyone else the way it does me? Hands?

Jesus, one of the most powerful and dynamic men of who has ever walked the planet, had as much reason as anyone to give up. He was a sinless man who took on the punishment of a sinful world. His punishment—death on a cross for you and me. But it wasn’t easy. As a matter of fact, on the eve of Jesus’ crucifixion he had such a strong feeling of angst that he said “my soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death.” Jesus even asked the Father to take that cup from him (Jesus) if it were possible, but in the same breath he also said, “not my will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:38-39 NIV)

The trouble Jesus must have felt knowing that he was going to be crucified. I cannot even imagine that kind of intense and overwhelming pressure. but. he. didn’t. quit.

With all that He was feeling, knowing what was to come, Jesus did not give up on His commitment to His father to become the risen Savior that you and I might have salvation and an eternal inheritance. I, for one, am grateful for His sacrifice and His strength to persevere.

On the days when I want to quit on my faith—and a few other things— I think of Jesus and how, even in his most sorrowful state, he abandoned himself to the will of His father. I admire Jesus for being a true example of what it means to stick it out when life gets really challenging—when things get so hard it looks as if quitting is the only option.

Life is not for the faint of heart, but by the resurrection power of Jesus Christ and the beautiful reminder of His sacrifice—I think that’s plenty of reason to take quitting off the table of options and I hope you do too.